Melissa manages to be both earthy and ethereal. It is the name of a wood nymph and a hard-working honeybee. Because it was so ubiquitous a generation ago, it has now transitioned into the category of “modern vintage.” It feels stable and reliable, devoid of the trendy spellings that confuse substitute teachers.
Verdict: Melissa is a perfect choice for 2025 if you are looking for a name that everyone knows how to spell but few babies in the nursery will actually have. It is a “sweet spot” name, literally and figuratively, for parents who value tradition, sweetness, and industriousness.
Melissa Overview
- Meaning: When translated from ancient Greek, Melissa means “honeybee.” It is also the feminine form of the Gaelic Maoilíosa, meaning “Servant of Jesus.”
- Gender: Melissa is traditionally feminine.
- Origin: Melissa originated from ancient Greek mythology, though the name also has roots in Gaelic and Hittite.
- Pronunciation: Melissa is pronounced, “muh-LIS-uh.”
- Popularity: The name Melissa is popular in the United States and Europe. It holds the 372nd spot in the US,
- Nicknames: Elle, Ellie, Issa, Lisa, Lissa, Lissie, Lissy, Mel, Meliss, Mellie, Mels, Miss, Missie, Missy.
- Variations: Malisa (Greek), Malissa (Greek), Melessa (Greek), Melisa (Greek), Mélisse (French), Meliza (Greek), Mellisa (Greek), Melosa (Spanish).
- Namesakes: Melissa Fumero (American actress), Melissa Joan Hart (American actress), Melissa McCarthy (American actress).
What Does Melissa Mean?
At its core, the name Melissa is pure sweetness. It is derived directly from the Greek word mélissa, which translates to “honeybee.” This etymology is traced further back to the word meli, meaning honey (1).
However, the meaning goes deeper than just the insect. In ancient cultures, the bee was a symbol of industry, community, and the divine feminine. Therefore, a child named Melissa is often associated with being hard-working, organized, and bringing sweetness to the lives of others.
Interestingly, the name developed a separate, unrelated religious meaning in Ireland. The Gaelic male name Maoilíosa translates to “Servant of Jesus.” Over time, Melissa was adopted as an Anglicized feminine form of this devotion-heavy name.
Where Does the Name Melissa Come From?
The name Melissa is a heavyweight in Greek mythology. It is widely accepted as the oldest “bee” name in recorded history.
According to legend, Melissa was a nymph who discovered honey and taught the art of beekeeping to humanity. More significantly, she was one of the nymph nurses who cared for the infant god Zeus. She fed him honey to keep him quiet and safe from his father, Cronus. Because of this myth, bees were often called “the birds of the Muses,” and honey was considered a sacred offering.
The title was so respected that “Melissae” became the honorific title for high priestesses in ancient Greece, specifically those serving Demeter (the goddess of harvest) and Artemis.
How Popular is the Name Melissa?
Melissa is the definition of a “modern classic” that has recently cooled off, making it a rare gem for new parents in 2025.
If you look at the trajectory from the Social Security Administration (2), Melissa was a meteoric superstar in the late 20th century. It entered the US Top 10 in 1967 and stayed there for an incredible 18 years. It peaked at #2 in the late 1970s, defining a generation of girls.
Like all mega-hits, it eventually succumbed to the laws of gravity. It slowly descended the charts during the 2000s as parents swapped it for names like Alyssa and Marissa. Today, it sits outside the Top 300. This is excellent news for modern parents: it means the name is instantly recognizable but your daughter is unlikely to share the name with three other girls in her kindergarten class.
How Do I Pronounce Melissa?
The standard pronunciation is muh-LIS-uh.
The emphasis should always land gently on the second syllable. The vowels are soft; the “E” in the first syllable is a schwa sound (like the ‘a’ in about), not a hard “May” sound.
Is Melissa a Boy or Girl Name?
Melissa is almost exclusively a female name in modern usage. While it has roots as an Anglicization of the Gaelic male name Maoilíosa, you will rarely find a boy named Melissa in English-speaking countries today.
Variations of Melissa
Because the name is ancient, it has traveled across borders, picking up slight spelling changes along the way.
- Mélissa: The French variation, adding a sophisticated accent aigu.
- Melisa: A common spelling in Spanish, Turkish, and Bosnian cultures.
- Melitta: An older German and Ancient Greek variant.
- Melina: A Greek variation meaning “honey.”
- Lissa: A shortened American and English variation.
Nicknames for Melissa
One of the reasons Melissa remained popular for decades is its versatility. It offers nicknames that range from tomboyish to ultra-feminine.
Common Nicknames:
- Mel
- Missy
- Lisa
- Lissa
- Mellie
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Bee: A nod to the name’s literal meaning.
- Honey: An affectionate term of endearment derived from the etymology.
- Milly: A vintage spin usually reserved for Mildred or Millicent, but works beautifully here.
Names Similar to Melissa
If you love the vibe of Melissa but want to explore other options, consider these names that share its soft sounds or “honey” connection.
- Marissa: Shares the “issa” ending but offers a connection to the sea (Latin for “of the sea”).
- Deborah: A perfect thematic match; Deborah is the Hebrew word for “Bee.”
- Alyssa: A close rhyme derived from the alyssum flower.
- Melinda: Keeps the “Mel” prefix but adds “linda,” meaning beautiful.
- Vanessa: Shares the soft, three-syllable flow and 20th-century popularity.
- Beatrice: A vintage name that also shares the nickname “Bea/Bee.”
- Clarissa: Offers the same rhythm but means “bright” and “clear.”
- Eliana: A more modern choice that matches the vowel-heavy softness of Melissa.
Middle Names for Melissa
Melissa is a three-syllable name with a rhythmic stress on the center. It pairs best with short, punchy middle names or longer, flowing names that don’t start with vowels.
Timeless & Classic
Nature & Boho
Modern & Spunky
- Melissa Quinn
- Melissa Blake
- Melissa Sloane
- Melissa Blair
- Melissa Paige
Sibling Names for Melissa
If you have a Melissa, you likely appreciate names that are established and easy to pronounce.
For a Brother
- Christopher: Matches Melissa in length and classic status.
- Jason: Shares the Greek mythological roots (Jason and the Argonauts).
- Nicholas: A solid, timeless choice that sounds great with Melissa.
- Timothy: Gentle, classic, and shares the Greek origin.
- Benjamin: Offers a similar rhythm and warmth.
For a Sister
- Stephanie: The perfect era-match for Melissa; also Greek (meaning “Crown”).
- Jessica: Styles well as a “girl next door” classic.
- Cassandra: Another stunning Greek mythological name.
- Rebecca: Biblical and timeless, sharing the same strong femininity.
- Amanda: Latin for “worthy of love,” pairing sweetly with the honeybee.
Famous People Named Melissa
Given its massive popularity in the 1970s and 80s, Melissa is a name worn by many talented women in Hollywood and music.
- Melissa McCarthy: The Oscar-nominated American actress and comedian known for Bridesmaids and Gilmore Girls.
- Melissa Etheridge: The Grammy Award-winning rock singer-songwriter and activist.
- Melissa Joan Hart: An icon of 90s television, known for Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Clarissa Explains It All.
- Melissa Benoist: The actress best known for playing the title role in the series Supergirl.
- Melissa Gilbert: Famous for her childhood role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie.
Melissa in Pop Culture
Beyond real people, the name has appeared frequently in fiction and music.
- “Melissa” by The Allman Brothers Band: A classic Southern rock song that has serenaded many babies named Melissa.
- Melissa McCall: The devoted mother figure in the hit MTV series Teen Wolf.
- Melissa Hastings: A recurring, mysterious character in the series Pretty Little Liars.
- Melissa Chartres: A character in the book and TV adaptation The Last Man on Earth.
FAQs About the Name Melissa
Here are answers to the most common questions people ask about this classic name.
Is Melissa a Biblical Name?
While Melissa is a popular name among Christians, it does not appear in the Bible. Instead of Hebrew, its roots are Greek.
Is There a Saint Melissa?
People of the Catholic faith commonly invoke Saint Melissa of Boughbond to heal skin conditions such as scabies. Her feast day is 16 December.
Are There Plants Named After Melissa?
Melissa refers to an entire genus of perennial herbs in the Lamiaceae family. Perhaps the most famous of these is lemon balm, which is commonly used as a calming tonic.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Melissa?
Spiritually, the name Melissa is associated with the symbolism of the bee: resurrection, brightness, community, and personal power. It represents someone who can take the “pollen” of life and transform it into “honey” (wisdom and sweetness).
Is Melissa a Mom Name?
Because Melissa peaked in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, many women named Melissa are now mothers themselves. However, in the 2020s, it is considered a “vintage” or “classic” choice that is ready for a revival for a new generation.
What Name Means Bee in Hebrew?
If you love the meaning of Melissa (“honeybee”) but want a Biblical or Hebrew origin, the name Deborah is the direct equivalent. Both names mean “bee” in their respective languages.
Is Melissa Rare in 2025?
Yes, Melissa is becoming increasingly rare for newborn babies. While it is a common name for adults, it has dropped out of the Top 300 names for infants, making it a unique choice for a baby born today.
What Color Is Associated With the Name Melissa?
Due to its meaning (honey) and its botanical association (Lemon Balm), the name Melissa is frequently associated with warm tones like golden yellow, amber, and soft green.
